Waste Facility Licensing

Waste Facility Licensing

Any facility located in the Regional District of Nanaimo that manages municipal solid waste, including garbage, recyclable materials and organics must have a Waste Stream Management License (WSML). WSMLs establish operating conditions that help protect communities and the environment from impacts related to their operations. 

WSML Bylaw No. 1803

The following facilities need a WSML:

  • Asphalt and concrete reprocessing facility  
  • Brokering facility  
  • Composting facility  
  • Material recovery facility  
  • Mixed waste facility  
  • Refuse derived fuel facility  
  • Storage facility  
  • Transfer station

Facilities that are owned and operated by the RDN or its member municipalities do not need a WSML. Additionally, the following facilities do not need a WSML:

  • Privately-operated facilities with a permit, approval or operational certificate issued under the Environmental Management Act  
  • Drop-off depots, reuse establishments or retail food, beverage or drug establishments that accept recyclable material on a return-to-retail basis 
  • Facilities holding only industrial, agricultural or municipal liquid waste, if it does not handle any municipal solid waste 
  • Composting facilities owned or operated by a farmer, if that facility uses municipal solid waste and recyclable material coming only from one or more farm businesses 
  • Asphalt and concrete reprocessing facilities where reprocessing of used materials is ancillary or secondary to the production of new asphalt or concrete  
  • Facilities exempted by the general manager 

Apply for a License

New facilities, as well as facilities licensed under the repeal WSML Bylaw No. 1386 need to apply for a WSML. To apply for a WSML, you need to submit the following forms:  

There is an application fee of $1,500 for new facilities and $200 for existing facilities. You will be contacted to page the application few once the RDN reviews your application and confirms it meets submission requirements.  

Please refer to the WSML Application Guide when preparing your application.  

License Amendments

If you are applying to amend your existing license, you will at least need to submit Form A. Depending on the nature of your amendment, you may also need to submit an updated Operating Plan and Form B. There is a $1,000 application fee for license amendments.  

Please contact the RDN to determine your application requirements.  

License Amendments

You may request to transfer you WSML is you have a change in company name or ownership. Please submit a Transfer Request Form:  

  1. Transfer Request Form 

Submissions 

Please submit your forms and supporting documents to zerowaste@rdn.bc.ca. All forms and documents must be in searchable PDF or Word format. Scan of documents and hand-written forms will not be accepted.  

Licensing Costs

Facilities must provide and maintain financial security to cover the potential costs required for a qualified third-party to dispose or recycle all materials onsite should any remain after a facility closure. Financial security amounts are equal to the estimated disposal cost for the maximum allowable amount of material onsite. 

Licensees are also required to pay an annual administration fee of $500. 

Current Facilities

Nuisance and Spill Reporting

Report concerns of nuisance impacts and spills from licensed facilities to the RDN. Nuisances include odour, noise, litter, dust, vectors and wildlife. 

Email: zerowaste@rdn.bc.ca 

Phone: 250-390-6576